Ernest "Wray" Magill

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our brother, uncle, great uncle and friend.  Wray passed away on December 23, 2024, at the Brandon Regional Hospital after a brief illness.

Wray was predeceased by his father, Ernie (1990), mother, Marge (1993) and his oldest sister, Darlene (2018).

He is survived by brothers Henry (Belinda) Edmonton, AB; Brian (Barb) Pine Lake, AB; sisters Marlene Corbett (James) Birch River, MB; Valerie Bedford (Murray) Brandon, MB; Donna VanDyken (John) Tillsonburg, ON, brother-in-law Gordon Martin, Kamloops, BC, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Wray was born in Swan River and grew up on the family farm northeast of Minitonas.  He attended the Minitonas School and the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School.

Wray lived for a short time in Calgary, AB and Red Deer, AB until health issues brought him back to the Minitonas/Swan River area where he lived until his death.

Wray was never afraid of hard work and if there was a job to be done he was ready.  Wray worked for Minish Construction, Lions Recycling and Kal Tire. He cut grass and shovelled snow for many people and businesses in Swan River until health issues forced him to retire.

Growing up on the farm Wray was told by an uncle that the crayfish found in the family swimming hole were good to eat.  That was all Wray needed to hear before he got a can, made a fire and cooked some - they were like mini lobsters. Many summer days were spent at the swimming hole with friends and family.

Wray had a habit of missing the school bus which got him out of milking cows and doing other farm chores. He enjoyed giving his friends and neighbours scary rides on the mini bike his dad bought him.

You could often find Wray at the Qwik Stop having soup and a sandwich or a coffee and a smoke with one of his many friends.

Wray was very involved with the Hero Club and he participated in many of their activities in Swan River, Dauphin, Roblin and Russell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Swan River Hero Club.

A funeral service will be held from the Chapel of Paull Funeral Home, Swan River, Manitoba on Saturday, December 28th, 2024 at 1:00PM. Reverend Kathy Highmoor will be officiating. 

An opportunity to view and pay respects will take place during the hour prior to the service. 

Wray will be laid to rest in the Minitonas Cemetery, Minitonas, Manitoba.

An obituary will be posted when available.